Town of Collierville Appoints Kate Renner as Morton Museum Director
Post Date:01/05/2022 9:17 AMKate Renner has been selected to be the new Director of the Morton Museum of Collierville History. In her role, Kate hopes to communicate the rich stories of Collierville’s history with all audiences and expand awareness of the free programming and events that are offered by the Museum.
Kate attended the University of Memphis where she earned her BFA in Museum Studies. She started her career in 2015 as the Morton Museum’s Visitor Services Coordinator. In 2016, she took a position in the Education Department at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art where she primarily worked on family programming, community engagement events, and school partnerships.
“I really enjoy helping people connect their lives with historical events and linking history to the present and future," Kate said regarding her interest in working in museums.
Ashley Carver, Director of Tourism, who had worked with Kate at the Morton Museum in 2015, immediately thought of Kate when the director position opened.
“When I got news of the vacancy, I notified Kate to get on the Town's website and review the job posting for the director's position. I worked with Kate in 2015-2016 when I was director, so I knew firsthand her work ethic, creativity, and passion for engaging the community. She's the perfect person to lead the Museum into its tenth year in 2022. Our interview panel met with several outstanding candidates, but Kate's enthusiasm, energy, and programming experience outshined them all,” said Ashley.
When asked what she liked about working in Collierville, Kate said, “I love how connected a lot of families are to their heritage here. I love how the Town of Collierville chose to use their resources to provide a place like the Morton Museum to preserve and interpret history.”
The Morton Museum, located in Collierville’s Historic Downtown District, offers permanent and changing exhibitions and a variety of free programs and events throughout the year for all ages. There are two new exhibits beginning in early 2022. A Community Art Gallery featuring artist Shamek Weddle will start Tuesday, January 11th and run through Saturday, February 26th. Beebe and Clegg: Their Enduring Photographic Legacy, an exhibition of images by two documentary photographers who introduced railroad photography and the world of railroading to wide popular audiences, starts at the end of February.
